Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes facts for kids

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is a super popular holiday show. It happens every year at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This exciting 90-minute show has over 140 performers. It features original music, singing, dancing, and funny parts. The main stars are the amazing women's dance group, the Rockettes. Since it first started in 1933, this show has become a special Christmas tradition in New York.

The show usually runs from November to early January. For example, the 2019/2020 show was from November 8, 2019, to January 5, 2020. The 2020 show was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, a TV special called Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes At Home Holiday Special aired on NBC. The show came back in November 2021. However, it had to stop early on December 17, 2021, due to more COVID cases.

The History of the Christmas Spectacular

The "Christmas Spectacular" began in 1933. Back then, Radio City Music Hall showed big live stage shows along with new Hollywood movies. The very first Christmas show was on December 21, 1933. It played with the movie Flying Down to Rio and a Walt Disney cartoon. This was only one year after the Music Hall opened in 1932.

Who Created the Show?

The show was created by Leon Leonidoff, the Music Hall's stage producer. Vincente Minnelli, a famous designer, also helped. The first show had an orchestra, an organ solo, and a singer. It also featured a Toy Shop Ballet. Two very important parts of the show started then and are still in every show today. These are The Rockettes' "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity". Russell Markert, who started the Rockettes, choreographed the "Wooden Soldiers" dance.

For many years, Leonidoff and Markert continued to create the annual Christmas show. Later, other talented people like Peter Gennaro took over.

Taking the Show on Tour

Besides the show in New York City, touring versions have traveled across the United States. The first Christmas Spectacular outside Radio City was in Branson, Missouri, in 1994. The Rockettes actually started in St. Louis (where they were called the Missouri Rockets). So, it was like coming home for them! This successful tour then traveled nationally from 1995 to 2003. In 2008, a new tour started, visiting theaters and arenas around the country.

Celebrating 75 Years

In 2007, the Christmas show celebrated its 75th anniversary! A brand new version of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular was created. Linda Haberman directed and choreographed this updated show. This special edition was filmed and you can even find it on DVD.

New Scenes and Stories Over the Years

The show often gets new updates and scenes.

• In 2011, the show was called The Rockettes Magical Journey. It had new music and a special 3D scene. The story was about the Rockettes traveling to find toys stolen by the Humbug King.
• In 2012, it was called The Rockettes Celebration! This version celebrated the Rockettes' 85th birthday with an extra scene.
• In 2013, a new ending called "Snow" replaced an older one.
• In 2014, Julie Branam became the director and choreographer. The 3D scene was removed. A number called "Rag Dolls" came back. A new story about two boys, Ben and Patrick, finding a Christmas present was added.
• In 2018, the "Snow" number was replaced with a new ending called "Christmas Lights." This year also brought in electronic drones and new visual effects for many parts of the show.
• In 2021, the "Snow" number returned to the show.
• In 2022, "Snow" was renamed "Dance of the Frost Fairies." The Rockettes wore fairy costumes with wings. Fairies were also projected onto the walls of Radio City. New drones that looked like fairies flew around the theater.

Spring and Summer Shows

Radio City Music Hall has also tried other shows at different times of the year.

Radio City Spring Spectacular

For many years, there was a spring show called the Radio City Spring Spectacular. It was like the Christmas show but for spring. It included the famous "Easter Parade" dance with the Rockettes. This show ran until 1997.

Heart and Lights and New York Spring Spectacular

In 2013, there were plans for a new spring show called Heart and Lights. It was supposed to start in March 2014. However, it was canceled just before it opened. After some changes, the show opened as the New York Spring Spectacular in 2015. It starred famous dancers like Derek Hough and actress Laura Benanti along with the Rockettes.

New York Spectacular

After the spring show, it was announced that it would return in the summer. This new show was called the New York Spectacular. It ran from June to August in 2016. However, this show did not return after the 2016 season.

Recordings of the Show

You can watch and listen to some versions of the Christmas Spectacular.

"The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" is a classic Rockettes dance.

"The Living Nativity" is a traditional scene in the show.

Video Recordings

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes

This DVD came out in 2008. It shows the complete 75th-anniversary show from 2007. There's also a two-disc version with a "behind-the-scenes" movie. A shorter TV special of this show aired on NBC in 2007.

Christmas at Radio City Music Hall

This special was made by HBO in 1986. It was called The Magnificent Christmas Spectacular then. It showed highlights from the Christmas show. You can find clips of it online, but it hasn't been sold to the public.

Audio Recordings

Several albums have been released with music from the Christmas Spectacular. These include:

• The Radio City Rockettes Sing Your Christmas Favorites (2008)
• The Radio City Christmas Spectacular (2000)
• Radio City Music Hall Presents Songs of Christmas (1991)
• Christmas Holidays at Radio City Music Hall (1958)

These albums feature many popular Christmas songs and music from the show.